Selective hydrolysis of α-oxo ketene N,S-acetals in water: switchable aqueous synthesis of β-keto thioesters and β-keto amides

Abstract

An eco-friendly selective hydrolysis of chain α-oxo ketene N,S-acetals in water for the switchable synthesis of β-keto thioesters and β-keto amides is reported. In refluxing water, the hydrolysis reactions of α-oxo ketene N,S-acetals in the presence of 1.0 equiv of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid effectively afforded β-keto thioesters in excellent yield, while β-keto amides were successfully obtained in excellent yield when the hydrolysis reactions were carried out in the presence of 3.0 equiv of NaOH. The green approach to β-keto thioesters and β-keto amides avoids the use of harmful organic solvents, thiols and thiolacetates as well as amines, which could result in serious environmental and safety issues.

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2024, 20, 2225–2233. doi:10.3762/bjoc.20.190